War World: Tactical Combat Review

War World is, put simply, a third person shooter. And really, there isn’t much more to it. You play as a mech, that is, a human-shaped robotic armor suit with incredible abilities. There are really only a few game modes: Single Player, Multiplayer, and Custom Game. Single Player is very basic, straight-forward deathmatch against the computer opponents. Multiplayer is obviously internet deathmatch, and custom game is where you can select the number of computer opponents and their equipment, as well as the environment and other variables.

You can choose among 3 mech types, the fast, weak one, the slow, powerful one, and the well-balanced one. In the beginning, you can choose what weapon is equipped to the left and right arms, respectively. You can initially choose between mini-guns or lasers, each with a few cost varying differences. In single player, you earn money for more guns or mechs, but in multiplayer, money is useless. You can buy whatever you want, which unfortunately means everyone dies within seconds online, leaving little room for strategy. Later on, with bigger mechs, however, you can buy hover or speed boosters, as well as rockets and strafe upgrades, which can help you get around the computer players’ clunky AI.

It isn’t that the AI is bad, it just doesn’t vary enough. You can almost predict how the enemies will react depending on the way you move. For instance, if you are walking backward firing at an enemy, he will continue walking directly toward you, taking all of your fire until he dies, instead of evading or strafing left and right. Another AI gripe is the fact that you cannot stand still and pick off enemies, because when the computer players come close to you, they will normally circle around you at full speed clockwise firing until you die. Aside from that, though, the game is a blast to play. The controls are simple and can be mastered quickly. The animations are smooth as well and they match up with what you are doing perfectly.

Speaking of things that are perfect, let’s talk about those graphics. War World features very sharp and quick graphics with high contrast colors which make the mechs and environments look great. If you are looking for a game that looks great without requiring a high-end video card, this is the game for you. Sadly, I can’t say the same about the music. Once again, it isn’t bad, but it just isn’t as high-quality as the graphics make the game feel. I would have liked to hear something more like metal, or something that really gets your heart pumping in the heat of the battles.

There is no story. The website has a “story� link, but all it really explains is what mechs are and how they are used. This game has a Quake 3 Arena-esque single-player mode in which you basically start by battling a few mechs with lots of health packs, and work your way up to more waves of mechs with less help. To the game’s credit, it has some great environments, ranging from deserts to cities to jungles, and each one has features which are unique.

All in all, War World is a great game for its price (only $25 USD). It’s easy to pick up and play and features some great graphics with a simple yet expansive single-player mode. If you are only into games that you plan on playing for hours on end, this game is not for you. But if you like simple games with online play and great graphics, I’d recommend you download this game now.